As we approach the holiday season, I would like to wish everyone a merry christmas, happy hanukkah, happy kwanzaa and of course, a great festivus. No matter what you celebrate, we all really pray to the oval ball and the joy it brings us, no matter our color, age, sex, orientation or whatever. Rugby is our true religion!

The Sideline Whisperer is a member of the Florida Rugby Community that makes predictions for the Men's D2/D3 Championships and the Women's D2. Occasionally he may take on other topics. He has decided to remain anonymous. (And it's not me!).
Thanks and enjoy!

-- Carlos "Charlee" Velázquez
Rugby in Florida CEO.

Okapi Wanderers (0-1) vs. Miami RFC (1-0) - As I expected, the D2 newcomers put a scare into Boca last weekend, but fell just short in their debut at their new level. This was supposed to be home game for the Weston boys, but they're having some field issues. Thus, this game will be played at Ben Franklin Park in Miami, the home of the Tridents. Miami are coming off a bye week, having opened their season with a narrow win over Fort Lauderdale in their first game before Thanksgiving. Miami are looking to put two rough seasons behind them, and are off to a good start. The schedule makers have been kind to them with these first two games against a rebuilding Knights squad and now the D2 newbies. I like the yellow and black to win this one going away. Miami RFC 25, Okapi 8

Tampa Krewe (1-0) vs. Miami Tridents (0-0) - A tough trip across the state for the defending D2 champs, who rolled through preseason undefeated and appear set to be in contention for back-to-back titles. Krewe, meanwhile, picked up a solid 22-12 road win at Fort Lauderdale last week, although as I mentioned earlier, the Knights are a shell of their former selves at the moment, going through a transition periods of sorts. A trip like this for any team to open their season can be a defining statement if they win, or a long trip back if they lose. I like the champs to pull this one out. Miami Tridents 33, Tampa Krewe 19

Orlando (0-1) vs. Boca Raton (1-0) - The Griffins almost knocked off Naples on the road to start their season last week, and will be eager to get their first win on the board against a Buccaneers side that made hard work of Okapi in their opener. They will also not want to get off to another slow start to their campaign, like the one that cost them dearly in 2015-16. Boca didn't exactly set the rugby world alight last week, scoring 14 points early against Okapi before being shut out the rest of the game, and don't appear to be as strong as they have been in the last few seasons. Going to favor the home team here. Orlando 22, Boca Raton 14

Jacksonville (0-0) vs. Naples (1-0) - The visiting Hammerheads, losing finalists last season, got this season off to a good start with a narrow home win over Orlando last week. Jax, notoriously fast starters while their league players are still around, had a decent preseason with wins over UNF and Gainesville, and a one-point loss to Sarasota. This is one of the longest trips in Florida rugby for Naples, who smashed Jax 68-12 at home last season, but I still see them pulling this one out in a high-scoring affair as they look to maintain their spot as title contenders. Naples 38, Jacksonville 29